Decision details

Members were asked to consider an application received from the Hackney Carriage trade requesting for an increase in hackney carriage fares.  Appendix 1 showed the proposed fares and Appendix 2 highlighted the existing fares. 

Increases in fares were only triggered by requests made from the trade.  It was noted that the last increase was in 2011.  The trade have borne the increases in fuel prices and overheads during this period. 

In balancing the increase fare per mile of journey the trade had suggested that additional costs for luggage and additional passengers would be removed. 

Members heard that if they approved the increase a public consultation would take place and if no objections were received the increase would come into force. 

A table of hackney carriage fares for all local authorities in the UK was published on the internet.  Currently Blackburn with Darwen’s fares ranked 344 out of 358 listed authorities.  For a 2 mile journey on Tariff 1 the fares ranged from £4.20 to £10.60, with Blackburn with Darwen at £4.70. If the increase was approved, Blackburn with Darwen would still be in the lowest quartile of the table with a 2 mile farecosting £5.40.  There were 15 other authorities nationwide currently charging £5.40 for the same journey length.

The use of calanderised meters would be the only way to ensure the correct fare tariff was used at different times of day and night.  Some hackney vehicle proprietors will need to upgrade to this type of meter to ensure compliance.

RESOLVED – That the Committee noted the report and approved for recommendations to be put forward to the Executive Member for Environment.